Behavioural Treatment Techniques (From Working With Sexually Abusive Adolescents, P 144-161, 1997, Masud S. Hoghughi, Surya R Bhate, et al., eds. - See NCJ 170115)

• NCJ Number: 170123
• Author(s): D Fisher; G McGregor
• Date Published: 1997
• Length: 18 pages
• Sale Source: Sage Publications Ltd
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance)
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

Behavioral treatment techniques to address the fantasies of sexual abusers are discussed in terms of their theoretical origins, uses with adult abusers, and issues involved in their use with adolescent sex offenders.

Abstract

Research on the importance of fantasy in sex offenses is supported by earlier theoretical analysis of the development of sexual behavior and interests. Techniques for increasing an individual's control over deviant fantasy and redirecting sexual interest rest on the effect of positive and negative outcomes on behavior. Behavioral treatments include overt techniques to modify actual behaviors and covert techniques to modify the cognitive/affective processes. Using fantasy modification techniques with adolescent sex offenders involves several special issues, particularly that of what constitutes an appropriate fantasy. In addition, fantasy modification is inappropriate for youth who act in an opportunistic manner rather than following a rehearsal fantasy. The American National Task Force on Juvenile Sexual Offending has also provided guidelines regarding procedures for adolescents. The procedures of verbal satiation and vicarious sensitization appear to be the most appropriate for use with adolescents provided if certain conditions are met.